The Whistler Group WH01 Radar Detector User Manual 1710 1730 Man

The Whistler Group Radar Detector 1710 1730 Man

Users Manual

1710/1730LASER-RADARDETECTORThe Whistler Group Corporate Headquarters13016 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville, AR 72712Tel (479) 273-6012 • Fax (479) 273-2927Customer Return Center1201 N. Dixieland Rd. • Rogers, AR 72756Consumer Relations Tel (800) 531-0004P/N 1710/1730/REV2, ©Whistler 2002OWNER’S MANUAL
Topic PageModel Features Summary 3 - 5Installation 6 - 8•Mounting Guidelines•Visor/Windshield Mounting•Power Connection And Fuse ReplacementOperation 9 - 12•Power On And Self-Test•Self-Test Mute•Integrated Real Voice™•Feature Engaged Confirmation•Audio Level Adjustment•Auto Quiet/Quiet Modes•City Modes•Dim/Dark Modes•Engaging/Disengaging VG-2 Detection•Option Select Mode•Teach/Tutorial Mode•Vehicle Battery Saver ModeRadar, Laser And VG-2 Alerts 13 - 17•Radar Alerts•Pulse Protection®•Safety Radar Audio/Visual Alerts•Laser Audio/Visual Alerts •VG-2 Audio/Visual Alerts•Alert Priority•Reset Features•Care MaintenanceTroubleshooting Guide 18Are Detectors Legal? 19Speed Monitoring Technologies 20 - 21•Radar Facts•Laser Facts•Other Speed Detection Systems•Radar Detector DetectorsWarranty Information 22 - 24Specifications 25Accessories 26If you have questions concerning theoperation of this Whistler productplease call:CuSTOmer SeRVICE1-800-531-0004Monday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CTor visit our websitewww.whistlergroup.comPlease keep the receipt in a safe place.You may register your product online at www.whistlergroup.com. For warrantyverification purposes, a copy of yourdated store receipt must still accompanyany unit sent in for warranty work. Ifthe unit is returned without a datedstore receipt an out of warranty servicecharge applies. Note: Your warrantyperiod begins at the time of purchase.The warranty is validated only by thedated store receipt! Now is the time torecord the serial number of the unit inthe space provided in the warrantysection of the manual.INTRODUCTIONDear Whistler Owner,For many of us, a vehicle is more than just transportation.It can be a mobile office, communications or entertainmentcenter, or simply an expression of our personality.Whistler products are designed to make the time youspend in your vehicle more productive, more fulfilling,safer, or just simply more fun. Our mission is to provideproducts that improve your driving experience.Your new Whistler 1710/1730 laser/radar detector detectsall radar, laser and safety radar systems.To fully acquaint yourself with the operation of theWhistler 1710/1730 and to better understand the differences between detecting radar, laser and safety radarsignals, we recommend reading this entire manual or visitour FAQ page on our website www.whistlergroup.comEnjoy the Whistler 1710/1730 and please drive safely.Sincerely,The Whistler GroupTABLE OF CONTENTSWhistler’s ergonomic and user-friendly design providesa new level of operating convenience.Special Features Include:1. Rear Laser Antenna (1730 Only) – An integratedoptical waveguide provides superior detection oflaser signals transmitted from behind.2. Bracket Release Button – Provides quick and easy release of the mounting bracket.3. Power / Volume Control – Turns unit on/off and adjusts audio level. 4. QUIET / Auto Quiet Button – Pressing QUIETbefore a signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode.Pressing QUIET during a laser-radar encountersilences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts tokeep you informed.5. VG-2 Button (1730 Only) – Engages (one beep) or disengages (2 beeps) VG-2 Cloaking Technology fornon-detectibility.Whistler 1730 shown167453823WHISTLER FEATURES6. City Button – Reduces the annoyance of false alertstypically encountered in urban driving areas.7. Speaker – Provides distinct audio warnings for X, K,Ka band radar, safety radar, laser and the VG-2. 8. Power Jack – Provides connection for the power cord.9. Radar Antenna – Compact, high-efficiency antennareceives radar signals.10. Laser Antenna (Front) – High gain optical lensprovides increased sensitivity and field of view for leading-edge laser detection.11. Mounting Bracket Location – Slot holds mountingbracket firmly.Accessories – Accessories included are highlyfunctional and easy to use.Power Cord – Connects to the unit power jack and yourvehicle’s lighter socket.Windshield Bracket – Allows installation of unit onyour vehicle’s windshield.4WHISTLER FEATURES1112105INSTALLATIONMounting Guidelines•Mount the unit as low as possible near the center of thewindshield. •Do not mount your unit behind wipers, ornaments,mirrored sunscreens, etc. These obstructions have metal surfaces which can affect radar and laser signals and reduce critical warning time. (Regular tinted glass does not affect reception.)•Some windshields have an Instaclear™or Electriclear™type coating, which affect radar signals. Consult your dealer or the owner’s manual supplied with yourvehicle to determine if your windshield has this coating.•Avoid placing unit in direct contact with windshield.•To reduce the possibility of theft, conceal yourunit when not in use.Windshield Mounting•Install the two suction cups and rubber bumper onto thebracket by fitting them into their holes.•Press the suction cups onto the windshield at thelocation you have chosen. IMPORTANT: Some newercars have a plastic safety coating on the inside of thewindshield. The windshield bracket may leavepermanent marks on this type of surface. To find out if your vehicle has this type of windshield, check the owner’s manual or ask your dealer. We recommend that you do not leave the suction cup bracket on the window in direct sunlight. If the detector is removed, this may cause blistering of the dash in some vehicles.
6INSTALLATIONWindshield Mounting (Continued)•Slide the detector onto the bracket until it locks into place.•If necessary, the unit may be leveled by bending thewindshield bracket. Press the bracket release buttonand remove the detector before bending.Visor Mounting (Optional Accessory)•Slide the visor bracket into the bracket mounting slot.•Clip the visor bracket onto the visor making sure it isrelatively level and has a clear view of the road.Insert into bracket mounting slot. Do not bend thissection of bracket.Slide on view7INSTALLATIONPower Connection•Plug the small end of the power cord into the unit’spower jack.•Plug the large end into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.Fuse ReplacementThe lighter socket plug is equipped with a replaceable2 amp 3AG fuse located behind the silver tip. To replacethe fuse, carefully unscrew the tip of the plug.IMPORTANT: Unscrew slowly. The tip contains aspring which may fly out when disassembling.Insert the new fuse with the spring and screw on the tip.With use, screw cap on plug may loosen. Retightenoccasionally.Unscrew the tip of the lighter socket plug carefully whenreplacing the 2 amp fuse.8OPERATIONPower On And Self-TestEach time your Whistler detector is turned on, an automatic self-test sequence confirms that the speaker andvisual displays are functional.During Power Up, all the LEDs illuminate, while the X, K,and Ka alerts are sounded in sequence. Immediately afterthe radar alerts, the red LEDs are momentarily canceled,then illuminated from right to left while the laser alert issounded.After the laser alert the 1st and 4th (3rd on 1730) alert LEDsflash and the Safety Radar alert is sounded. At the end ofthe self-test sequence the unit is in the highway mode.Model 1730Model 1710X BandLEDK BandLEDP/VG-2LEDRadarVisual AlertCity OnLEDBoth=Ka LaserVisual AlertPower OnLEDCity OnLEDRadarVisual AlertLaserVisual Alert9OPERATIONFeature Engaged ConfirmationEach time a button is pressed one beep confirms feature“on”, two beeps confirm feature “off”.Quiet ModeThe QUIET Button accesses one of two muting options.Auto Quiet Mode (1730 Only)Pressing QUIET before a radar signal is detected providesan alternate alert pattern, consisting of four beeps(indicating X, K, Ka or Safety Radar) followed by clicking.The clicking will continue for as long as the detected signal is present or any new signal is detected within 20 seconds, becoming more rapid as the strength of thesignal increases.If Auto Quiet is engaged, pressing QUIET while the unitis alarming will cancel the beeps or clicking.Pressing QUIET a second time when the unit is notalarming will cancel Auto Quiet mode and restore the continuous audio alert pattern.10OPERATION11OPERATIONCity ModeWhistler’s City Mode is designed to reduce the annoyanceof automatic door openers, intrusion alarms and otherdevices which share frequencies with police radar.•Press City to engage City. Display shows:•Press City a second time cancels City Mode.In City Mode, weak speed/safety radar signals give aninitial alarm of two beeps, and then the unit remains quietunless the signal strength increases, two additional beepsare provided.Highway ModeHighway mode provides full audio warnings any time radar (X, K, Ka, Safety Radar) or laser signals are detected,and is recommended for open road driving. Highway modeis automatically engaged after the unit is turned on andcompletes the self-test.Vehicle Battery Saver ModeThe Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts offyour detector after 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. Thetimer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged orany button is pressed before the time has expired. Thedetector will alert you with an audible and visual warningbefore it shuts off. Display shows:During this warning you can momentarily reset the unitby pressing any button. This will reset the timer.If the unit has automatically turned itself off, press anybutton to turn the unit back on. You can manually engagethe Vehicle Battery Saver Mode by pressing and holdingthe City button until one beep is heard. The auto shutofffunction will initiate after several seconds.Model 1730Model 1710Model 1730 shownX BandLEDK BandLEDP/VG-2LEDRadarVisual AlertCity OnLEDBoth=Ka LaserVisual Alert
RADAR ALERTS12 13LASER/RADAR ALERTSRadar Audio and Visual AlertsWhen your Whistler detector encounters traffic radar, itprovides a distinctive audio tone for the specific radarband detected: X, K, or Ka. At the same time, LEDsilluminate sequentially from left to right (see Page 9). Thegreen and amber LEDs are cancelled during an alert.The audio alerts are continuous, but have a Geiger counter-like pattern to help you determine your distance from theradar source; the faster the beeping, the closer you are tothe transmitting source. At the same time, illumination of multiple LEDs indicaterelative signal strength.Pulse Protection®Pulse (or instant-on) radar is more difficult to detect thanconventional radar because it remains “off” until activatedto measure the speed of a targeted vehicle.When a pulse type transmission is detected, your Whistlerdetector sounds an urgent 3-second audio warning andflashes the red LEDs at their fastest rate. After the 3-second pulse alert, the standard alert pattern continuesfor as long as the signal is present.It is important to respond promptly to a pulse alert, sincewarning time may be minimal.Speed Radar Audio / Visual AlertsWhen X, K or Ka is detected the band ID and signalstrength is displayed. The audio alert is continuous and hasa geiger counter-like pattern. The faster the beep the closeror stronger the radar source. Example:1 Alert LED = weak signal, 4 Alert LED’s = strong signalRadar Band Identification (1730 Only)When the Whistler 1730 encounters traffic radar, the RadarBand Indicators confirm the band detected by illuminatingone or both of the LEDs as follows:X Band — Amber LED OnlyK Band — Red LED OnlyKa Band — Amber And Red LEDs IlluminateLaser Audio And Visual AlertsIf you are the targeted vehicle, a laser gun can often determine your speed within a few seconds after you receivean alert. In this situation there is generally no time to safelyadjust your speed. However, if you are traveling near orbehind the targeted vehicle and receive an alert, responsetime should be sufficient. Any laser alert, regardless of duration, requirXK PWR Alert CityVG-2Ka14LASER/VG-2 ALERTSdetects a laser signal, the laser audio alert is sounded andthe four red LEDs (three red LEDs on 1710) illuminate fromright to left for as long as the signal is present, or for aminimum of three seconds.When the laser signal is no longer detected, the audiowarning ends, but the LEDs continue to flash slowly forthree seconds, indicating a laser encounter has just occurred.VG-2 Detection Mode (1730 Only)The VG-2, also known as a “radar detector detector,”is aspecial receiver used by police to detect signals radiated bya radar detector.Press the VG-2 button once to engage, unit beeps once.Pressing a second time cancels VG-2 detection mode, unitbeeps twice. The P/VG-2 LED remains on.When a VG-2 signal is detected the P/VG-2 LED flashesrapidly for 3 seconds and the VG-2 alert is sounded. Afterthe 3 seconds the audio is canceled and the P/VG-2 alertLED flashes at a slower rate. This cycle is repeated if theVG-2 signal is again detected.Model 1730X BandLEDK BandLEDP/VG-2LEDRadarVisual AlertCity OnLEDBoth=Ka LaserVisual AlertSPEED MONITORING The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicatedetection of a Safety radar signal.The Safety radar alert is displayed for as long as the signalis present and the audio alert is continuous, but has aGeiger counter like pattern to help you determine your distance from the Safety radar source; the faster the beep-ing, the closer you are to the source.Care And MaintenanceDuring the summer months, avoid prolonged exposure todirect sunlight by removing your unit from the dash whenyour vehicle is parked for an extended period of time. Donot spray water, cleaners, or polishes directly onto the unit.The spray may penetrate through the openings and damagethe unit. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaners on the unitsexterior.15TECHNOLOGIES SAFETY RADAR ALERTSVG-2 (Continued)During the period a VG-2 signal is detected, a radar signalcannot be detected. However, because the VG-2 alert has confirmed that a patrol car is nearby, you are already awareof the potential for speed monitoring and can adjust yourspeed accordingly. Laser detection is not affected while a VG-2 signal is detected.Note: VG-2 must be turned on to receive VG-2 Alerts.Safety Radar Audio/Visual AlertsYour Whistler detector detects the new Safety WarningSystem™. In communities where transmitters are located, this provides advanced warning of various road hazardsincluding accident sites, highway construction, emergencyvehicles, etc. and enables you to respond more appropriatelyto potentially dangerous conditions. When your Whistlerdetector detects a safety radar signal, it provides a distinctiveaudio tone and illuminates the first LED and the last LED inthe signal strength display. The first and last LED in the Signal Strength display flash to indicate detectionof a Safety radar signal.TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE17Your Whistler detector is expertly engineered anddesigned to exacting quality standards to provide youwith reliable, trouble-free operation. If your unit has beencorrectly installed following the guidelines in this manual,but is not operating optimally, please refer to the troubleshooting guide below.PROBLEM: No display or audio.•Check fuse in Whistler plug; replace if necessary with a 2 amp 3AG type.•Check fuse for lighter socket; replace if necessary.•Make sure lighter socket is clean.PROBLEM: Unit alarms when vehicle hits bumps.•Check for loose lighter socket; tighten and clean.•Check connections at both ends of power cord. Substitute another cordto determine if cord is defective. Return defective cord to the factory.PROBLEM: Unit alarms when using vehicle equipment, electrical accessories (brakes, power mirrors/windows,directionals, horn, etc.), or when accelerating.•Vehicle’s electrical system, including battery and alternator, may haveelectrical noise. Install a filter capacitor (470mfd. 25 volt or larger capacitance value) on the back of the lighter socket.PROBLEM: Audio alerts are not loud enough.•Cancel Auto Quiet Mode or City Mode.•Check audio level setting (see page 10 & 11).PROBLEM: Unit gives laser alert when accelerating.•Possible bad or low quality distributor cap. Replace with high quality cap.If difficulties occur which cannot be solved by informationin this Troubleshooting Guide, please call WhistlerCustomer Service at 1-800-531-0004 before returning yourunit for service.16XK P/VG-2 Alert CKaModel 1730PCAlertModel 1710
ARE DETECTORS LEGAL?19 20SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIESLaser FactsIt’s well documented that many radar guns cannot reliablyprovide the speed of a targeted vehicle that is traveling in agroup of vehicles. In contrast, a laser gun can target a specific vehicle out of a line of traffic and determine its speed.The advantage of laser over radar in terms of targetidentification is the result of the laser gun’s narrow beam. Aradar transmission can cover more than a four-lane highwayat a distance of 1,000 feet, compared with a laser transmissionwhich covers about 3 feet at the same distance. For bestprotection, keep these points in mind:•Because you vehicle’s license plate or headlights are the laser gun’sprimary targets, mounting your Whistler detector on the dashboard canimprove laser detection at short range.•Do not follow closely behind any vehicle you cannot see through. If youcan’t see past a vehicle ahead of you, chances are your detector won’teither.•The receiving range of your laser detector will not be the same as a radar detector. Laser guns are most often used at short range.Whistler Laser/Radar detectors receive all current laserguns which operate at a laser wavelength of 905 +/- 10mm.•Pro Laser™I II III •LT1 20-20 •Ultra Lyte Other Speed Detection SystemsSeveral techniques other than radar or laser are used to meas-ure vehicle speeds. When these methods are being used, no detector can provide a warning. These techniques include:•Pacing - A patrol car drives behind you and matches your driving speed.•Vascar/Aircraft - The time it takes a vehicle to travel a known distance ismeasured.In Most States YES!Laser detectors are completely legal in every state whenused in automobiles or light trucks (under 10,000 lbs.).Similarly, when used in automobiles or light trucks, radardetectors are legal in almost every state. Exceptions are Virginia and Washington, D.C., which have local regulations restricting the use of radar receivers in any vehicle. Concerning trucks over 10,000 lbs., the FederalHighway Administration (FHwA) issued a regulation, effective January, 1994 which prohibits radar and laserdetector use in these types of vehicles nationally.Prior to the FHwA regulation, laws existed in the state ofNew York restricting the use of radar detectors in trucksover 18,000 lbs. and in the state of Illinois in trucks over26,000 lbs.FCC ID HSXWH01This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)This device many not cause harmful interference, and (2)this device must accept any interference received, includ-ing interference that may cause undesired operation.IMPORTANTFCC requirements state that changes or modifications notexpressly approved by Whistler could void the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.SPEED MONITORING TECHNOLOGIES18Radar FactsA radar gun operates by transmitting radio waves at certain fre-quencies which reflect off objects and are then picked up by theradar gun’s receiving section. When a radar beam reflects off amoving target, a measurable frequency shift occurs. The radarunit converts this shift into miles per hour to determine yourvehicle’s speed. Currently, the FCC (Federal CommunicationsCommission) permits operation of traffic radar guns at X Band(10.500 - 10.550 GHz), K Band (24.050 - 24.250 GHz), and Ka Band(33.400 - 36.000 GHz).Note: A radar detector will not alarm if an officer is not transmitting21Radar Detector Detectors (VG-2)The Interceptor VG-2, or simply VG-2, is a microwavereceiver used by police to detect signals radiated by thelocal oscillator of a radar detector. Because its purpose isto identify persons driving with radar detectors, the VG-2is known as a “radar detector detector”.The VG-2 is the primary tool used by the police to identify radar detector equipped vehicles. If caught, in astate where detectors are illegal, (see page 19), drivers risklosing their radar detector and receiving a fine. Inaddition, instant-on radar is almost always used incombination with a VG-2, leaving unsuspecting motoristsvulnerable to receiving two tickets - one potentially forspeeding, the other for possession of a detector.Having a radar detector capable of detecting the VG-2may alert you to the presence of a speed trap.For more information on speed monitoring technologies,please visit our FAQ page on our website:www.whistlergroup.comBe Advised: Model 1710 radar detector does not detect or hide fromVG-2. Only model 1730 provides VG-2 protection.It is the responsibility of the individual radar detectorowner to know and understand the laws in your arearegarding the legality of the use of radar detectors.SPEED MONITORING22WARRANTY INFORMATIONConsumer WarrantyThis Whistler Laser/Radar detector is warranted to theoriginal purchaser for a period of one year from the dateof original purchase against all defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty is void if the unit isabused, modified, installed improperly, if the housing hasbeen removed, or if the serial number is missing. Thereare no express warranties covering this product other thanthose set forth in this warranty. All express or implied warranties for this product are limited to one year.Whistler is not liable for damages arising from the use,misuse, or operation of this product.Service Under WarrantyDuring the warranty period, defective units will berepaired without charge to the purchaser when returnedwith a dated store receipt to the address below. Unitsreturned without dated store receipt will be handled asdescribed in section “Service Out Of Warranty.”Due to thespecialized equipment necessary for testing a laser/radarreceiver, there are no authorized service stations forWhistler brand detectors other than the Whistler factory.23WARRANTY INFORMATIONWhen returning a unit for service under warranty,pleasefollow these instructions:1. Ship the unit in the original carton or in a suitablesturdy equivalent, fully insured, with return receipt requested to:Whistler Repair Dept.1201 North Dixieland RdRogers, AR. 72756IMPORTANT: Whistler will not assume responsibilityfor loss or damage incurred in shipping. Therefore, pleaseship your unit insured with return receipt requested. CODswill not be accepted!2. Include with your unit the following information,clearly printed:•Your name and street address (for shipping via UPS), a daytime telephone number and email address, if applicable. (No P.O. Box please.)•A detailed description of the problem(e.g., “Unit performs self-test but does not respond to radar”).•A copy of your dated store receipt or bill of sale.3. Be certain your unit is returned with its serialnumber. For reference, please write your units serial number in the following space: s/n______________.Units without serial numbers are not covered under warranty.IMPORTANT: To validate that your unit is within thewarranty period, make sure you keep a copy of your datedstore receipt. You may register your warranty online at www.whistlergroup.com, however, for warranty verification purposes, a copy of your dated store receiptmust accompany any unit sent in for warranty work.
24WARRANTY INFORMATIONService Out of WarrantyUnits will be repaired at “out of warranty”service rates when:•The units original warranty has expired.•Dated store receipt is not supplied.•The unit has been returned without its serial number.•The unit has been abused, modified, installed improperly, or had itshousing removed.The minimum out of warranty service fee for your Whistlerdetector is $35.00 (U.S.). If you require out of warranty service, please return your unit as outlined in the section“Service Under Warranty”along with a certified check ormoney order for $35.00. Payment may also be made byMasterCard, VISA or American Express; personal checksare not accepted. In the event repairs cannot be covered bythe minimum $35.00 service fee, you will be contacted by aWhistler technical service specialist who will outline optionsavailable to you. If you elect not to have your unit repaired,it will be returned to you along with your certified check ormoney order.IMPORTANT: When returning your unit for service, becertain to include a daytime telephone number, and emailaddress (if applicable).Customer ServiceIf you have questions concerning the operation of yourWhistler detector, or require service during or after thewarranty period, please call Customer Service at:1-800-531-0004.Representatives are available to answer your questionsMonday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT).25SPECIFICATIONS1710 Dimensions: 1.2"H x 2.72"W x 4.0"L1710 Weight: 5.5 oz.1730 Dimensions: 1.3"H x 2.9"W x 3.9"L1730 Weight: 5.5 oz.Laser Wavelength:905 ±50 nanometers (nm)Radar Frequencies:10.500 - 10.550 GHz (X Band)24.050 - 24.250 GHz (K Band )33.400 - 36.000 GHz (Ka Superwideband)Operating Temperature Range:-20˚ C to +80˚ C (-4˚ F to +176˚ F)Power Requirements:Operational 12 to 15 volts DC, 250mA nominalVehicle Battery Saver, 30mA nominal.One or more U.S. patents apply:#4,315,261#5,146,227#5,379,456#5,666,120#5,990,821Specifications are subject to change without notice.The following accessories can be ordered directly fromWhistler by calling 1-800-531-0004 or visit our onlinestore at www.whistlergroup.comOrder Description PriceCode202138 Visor Bracket $ 6.95202140 Windshield Bracket Kit $ 9.95206294 *Modular Lighter Plug $ 7.95(Requires 206550 or 206551)206550 *Modular Straight $ 6.95Power Cord (5')(Requires 206294)206551 *Modular Coiled $ 7.95Power Cord (7')(Requires 206294)206552 Straight Power Cord (5’) $ 14.95206553 Coiled Power Cord (7’) $ 15.95206879 Hook & Loop $ 1.95206880 Hardwire Kit (10' ) $ 9.95(for wiring to fuse box)203283 Socket Multiplier $ 9.95(Requires 206550 or 206551)206666 Modular Cord Package $ 17.95(includes 206550, 206551, 206294)159032 Package of 8 Suction Cups $ 2.95*Modular: Interconnecting pieces cord and plug. Shipping and handling (per order) $5.00 Prices are subject to change without notice.26ACCESSORIES

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